Might of the Quill (Event for Legio)

[m_1512]

A man enters your tent. But rather than revulsion, he looks around your tent with mild curiosity. He comes from Italy bearing a letter for you.

Greetings to Signor Nicolaus of Bogdaniec

I represent the prominent families of Pisa, and it is on their behalf I write you this letter. We have heard of your wisdom and require your help. We are peaceful folks who have not the influence to enter the Imperial court and cannot also approach the Count of Firenze for help as he is at war.

We are under the tyrannical governance of Baron David Ferraro. He is the most unreasonable person we have ever seen. And he likes to think of himself as a renowned scholar. If he is indeed a scholar, then he should be able to listen to reason. We would request you to Pisa to speak to that man, and reason with him. We have hope that the Quill shall overcome bigotry.

Regards,
Albert de Lucca

[Legio]

Nicolaus reads the letter with astonishing speed. Laying it on the portable writing desk situated on his lap he exhales loudly and looks at the courier.

"Give me a few minutes to get ready."

Perhaps, Nicolaus thought, this could be the armed conflict he had been told to find and study.

[m_1512]

He bows.
Very well Signor, I shall wait outside and we can depart immediately.

[Legio]

Nicolaus packs his things and begins to roll his tent up. It's tattered but it gets the job done.


When everything is ready, Nicolaus follows the man onto the road.


OOC: What now?

[m_1512]

You and the rider set off for the destination. The next day at dawn, you see the city of Pisa.

[Legio]

Nicolaus turns to the man.

"Tell me what you expect of me; who is the man I'll be dealing with? What's he done to piss you off?"

[m_1512]

Not me Sir, but all the citizens. The baron is the most reasonable man you would ever see, and a mockery to all scholars. We request you to reason with him.

He points a mansion to you.
That's his manor, Sir. This is where I leave you. Good Luck.

[Legio]

Nicolaus acquiesces and enters the mansion. He looks around.

[m_1512]

The Baron is a burly and an irate man.
You there! Who are you? What do you want?

[Legio]

OOC: Wait, is this baron the mean guy I'm meant to speak to?

Yes.

[Legio]

Nicolaus does not hesitate to speak.

"Buongiorno, signore, and may I remark on how well your grace looks today? I have pronounced it correctly, haven't I? You must forgive me, Excellency, for I am a foreigner and still learning your tongue," Nicolaus says. "But, in certain circles, even in the lands which I come from; to wit: Polonia, there is mention of Pisa!"

Nicolaus pauses.

OOC: What am I even trying to do apart from 'make him see reason'? Make him lower taxes? Stop butchering the homeless? Or am I meant to find that out in the RP?

[m_1512]

The Baron's expression suddenly becomes wary.
Are you a scholar, signor?

[Legio]

Nicolaus beams at him.

"Precisely! A reader, a writer, a thinker, a speaker - although you can be sure that I know when it is best to remain silent, of course!" Nicolaus gives him a conspiratorial look. "Books have been my bread and the ink-pot my cups; the quill is both my chain, my sword, and my walking-stick, signore."

[m_1512]

The Baron fumbles. He had clearly estimated this man wrongly.
Oh, all right! Why don't we go into my study chamber?

[Legio]

"But of course! Lead and I shall follow, Herr."

Nicolaus follows the Baron.

[m_1512]

He takes you in an extravagant study chamber, complete with a library and wide collection of spirits. Clearly the result of astronomical taxes.
Please have a seat, and some whisky.

[Legio]

Nicolaus sits.

"If you'll forgive me, signore, I have no head for drink - apart from mead, of course, unless you would happen to have any nuts to hand? I always drink with nuts, for, seeing as they are lighter than the drink, will rise to my head and allow me to reap the benefit of their nutrition more easily while the drink, being heavier, will sink down through my belly. If there is nothing lighter than the drink will go to my head, Herr signore!"

[m_1512]

Clearly lost, he claps for an attendant and asks him to fetch nuts and mead.
After serving them.
Signor, so what can I do for you?

[Legio]

Nicolaus studies the baron.

"Ah, signore, signore," he says, grinning widely. "I've heard much of Pisa, its wealth, and its top men - that is to say, man, signore, but nothing of its citizens. Tell me, how are they faring? What do they talk of; do they drink and whore with as much ardour as before?"

[m_1512]

But what has people got to do with anything? I am strong, and I am rich. Therefor, so is Pisa.